What Are the Signs You Might Have a Pest Infestation at Home?

Pest infestation is a common problem that any homeowner can face during any season. It is more common in regions that have a mild climate, diverse urban areas, and close proximity to water bodies like Burnaby, BC. However, taking effective measures and consulting with professional pest eliminators can help you keep these nasty creatures at bay.

Pests include both rodents and insects are very sharp creatures and eat quite hard to remove once they enter your home or office. The biggest problem is that many people don’t even realize they have an infestation until the problem gets out of hand. It can lead to structural damage, health issues, and food contamination, making your living space uncomfortable.

Early Signs of Pest Infestation 

Pests are quite hard to detect at early stages because they are good at hiding and also build their nests in dark, difficult-to-reach areas. However, there are various clear signs that can help you spot pests' presence and take effective measures before the infestation becomes a serious issue. You can look for these signs by yourself or hire pest control in Burnaby BC, services for professional inspection of your home. 

Here are some common signs that indicate the presence in your home.

Droppings or Urine Smells

One of the first signs of a pest problem is finding droppings. Mice and rats leave small pellet-like waste in corners, inside cupboards, or under sinks. You might also notice a strong ammonia-like smell, which comes from rodent urine. If you see anything like this, it’s a clear sign that pests are living in your home.

Cockroaches and some insects also leave behind waste that looks like black pepper or coffee grounds. These signs are often found in dark or hidden areas, like behind the fridge or in drawers.

Damage to Food Packages

If you find holes or tears in food packaging in your kitchen, it's a clear sign that your home is infested by some kind of pests. The reason is that rodents like mice and rats chew through plastic, cardboard, and paper to reach food, while insects like ants may crawl into open containers and leave behind trails or tiny black specks.

Scratching or Movement Noises

If you hear scratching, gnawing, or rustling sounds coming from the walls, ceilings, or under the floorboards, especially at night, it is a sign of rodents such as mice or rats infestation. Insects like cockroaches also make soft clicking noises, and wasps can buzz from inside walls if they’ve built a nest there. 

Chewed Wires or Furniture

Rodents have strong teeth that grow constantly, so they need to chew to keep them short. Therefore, they habitually chew on wires, furniture legs, boxes, and even insulation. If you find items around your home with gnaw marks, it's a red flag that you might be dealing with a rodent problem. It isn’t just annoying, but can be dangerous because chewed wires can lead to electrical fires.

Nests or Hiding Spots

Pests often build nests in quiet, hidden places like basements, attics, behind walls, or in closets. A rodent nest might be made of shredded paper, fabric, or other soft materials, while insects use chewed wood or paper-like materials to build their nests. In case of noticing a pest's nest, don't try to remove it alone; call a professional and let experts deal with it. 

Grease Marks or Smudges

If you notice dark or greasy lines on walls or around furniture, it could be a sign that pests are moving around your home when you're not looking. The reason is that rats and mice often travel the same paths every day, leaving behind greasy marks, smudges, or tracks. These oily stains are caused by their fur rubbing against surfaces.

Strange Smells in Certain Areas

A sudden bad smell with no clear source can be a clue that something isn’t right. Rodents and insects usually leave behind a musty, sour, or foul odor. Sometimes the smell comes from their droppings or urine, and in worse cases, from a dead animal behind the wall. So, if your home smells different or strange, especially in certain rooms, it’s worth investigating. 

What Should You Do If You Notice These Signs?

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, make sure to take immediate measures to get rid of them. First, try to identify what kind of pest you might be dealing with, then apply the pest control treatments.  You can try some basic control steps like sealing holes and using traps, but in most cases, it’s best to call a pest control expert.  

Bottom Line 

Pests are more than just a nuisance, they can damage your home, contaminate your food, and even make you sick. These creepy creatures are quite hard to remove, especially in the case of large infestations. However, regular inspection of your home and noticing early signs of pest presence can help you remove them before they settle into your home. 

The best way to detect and remove pests is to call professionals. They are expert individuals and have the right tools and equipment to reach all areas of your home, ensuring complete and permanent removal of pests.